Glass manufacture.



T. I. McCOY. cuss MANUFACTURE. APPLICATION ELLE!) IMY 22. 19 l6.

1 ,28 3,538. Patented Nov. 191a z SHEETS-SHEET 1.

3w enhn T. J. MCCOY.

BIIASS MANUFACTURE.

APPLICATION FILED IIAY 22. ms.

Patented Nov. 5, 1918. I

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

THOMAS J. MOCOY, OF WIGHITA FALLS, TEXAS.

GLASS MANUFACTURE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 5, 1918.

Application and May 22, me. Serial No. 99,079.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, THOMAS J. MoCoY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Wichita Falls, in the county of Wichita and State of Texas, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Glass Manu-' facture, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improved apparatus for the manufacture of glass articles, such as for example window glass or other forms of sheet glass.

The primary object of this invention is to convert the molten glass into sheet formation by an apparatus which dispenses with the usual means employed in blowing, drawing, ladling, pouring from pots, crucibles and thelike, and flattening, annealing etc., of the glass at intermittent periods. These and further objects will more fully a pear from the following description in which reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a partof this application which shows a form of apparatus embodying my said invention and wherein:

Figure 1, is a fragmentary sectional view of the discharge end of a glass tank, and accessories showing a sheet of glass being formed by flowing a sheet from the molten glass in the tank.

Fig. 2, represents a cross section of Fig. 1, on the lines a:a. i

Fig. 3, is a top plan view of the flowing stone or spout; U

Fig. 4, is a perspective view of a section of the spout over which the glass is flowed.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1, repre sents the glass tank contalning the molten. glass, and except as to that portion of the tank fronrwhich the glass is dischar ed, this tank may be of any desired constructlon, although preferably of such construction as shown in my prior application for U. Letters Patent, Serial No. 652,780, filed by me on October 4., 1911, but as to the discharge or flowing end it is of novel construction especially adapted for carrying out my improvement in glass manufacture.

Located across the end of the glass tank 1, is an arch wall 2,;extending over and above the glass 3, in the tank. Forward of the arch wall 2, and connected therewith are side walls 4, which with other accessories hereinafter referred to, form a dischar e chamber or compartment through which t e burners 11, to the edges of the glass asses from the main tank 1, to the sheet orming devices. Located upon suitable supports between the side walls 4, and forming the bottom of the discharge end of the com artment, is a flowing stone or apron 5, of re rectory material, which constitutes an important feature of this invention. Located etween the side walls 4, and adapted for Vertical movement, is a cover stone 6, forming the roof of the compartment through which the glass passes. Located forward of the cover stone 6, and the flowing stone 5,-and adapted for vertical movement is the end stone 7, forming the outer end wall of the compartment. Located back of the cover stone 6, and in close proximity to the arch Wall 2, and adapted for vertical movement is the damper stone 8, which forms the rear end wall of the flowing comzartment.

'1he flowing stone or spent 5, is formed With projecting ribs 9-9, running horizontally along the edges thereof, and 99', running downwardly along the forward face thereof. These projecting ribs form an important element of this invention. Referring to the drawings, (Fig. the walls 4, are shown with inwardly projecting extensions at their upper portions from which are downwardly projecting ribs 10-10, the lower surfaces of which are placed in close proximity to the glass line level above the flowing stone 5.

- Referrin to the drawings (Fig. 2), it will be observe that there is an air space be tween the lower portion of the side walls 4. and the flowing stone 5. This air space is adapted for conveying heat created by the glass between the projecting ribs 9 and 10, the imp' rtance of which will be hereinafter more fuis ex plained.

To facilitate the vertical movement of the damper stone 8, it is freely suspended by a cable 12, attached to an eye-bolt 13, set into the stone 8. The cable 12 is. adapted to be wound on a suitable winding drum 14, adapted for rotative movement in the fixed standards 15.

To provide for the vertical movement of the cover stone 6, as well as for changin the angularity of the inclin tions thereof, provide for suspending th cover stone 6, from two eye-bolts .16 and "16 through which arepas sed the ends steel: 85 1? ant 17 the opposite ends of which are adapted to wound on the drums l8 and 18'. By the varied motleinent of the winding drums l8 and 18, the singularity of the cover stone (5, may be fixed in any deeired position.

To faeilitate the 'erliral movement of the end stone 7, the loner end of rahle 13th is attached thereto h mean of the are-holt Ill. The uppt-r end of the lillllt' 20 is adapted to be ground on the drum '11. Any auitahlo meana may be adapted to rotate the winding drums. and For that purpose, I provide the hand (rank 2;. \hown in Fig. 2.

B the vertii'al iuoi'onu'nt of the vauroral stones (5. T and o, l illll ahle to llltlt'tlh't or de crease tho air sparrwithin tho tllht'lltll'gt chandler. and I am ahle to regulate the tem- Illllllllll within the pa \a 4'o wa through whieh tho glans illowi-d. wlu-u pas ing (not the flowing stunt J1. To proride for the further uniformitr of tlateuua-raturiuf all portions of the Flltli of glue living llowed. and esparially in maintaining the (lges ol' the glass at a ouil'orul lmn wraturo with other portions of thr llttl. l have provided lll(lXltlltlttl llllhll and 1I'.au|l provide fora auitahly .-hapr|| aii llllt't around the ex tended rilw l and to prop-rt the heat from the burners II. in the lust elleetire. way upon tlh' edges oi the what of glass and to maintain the tc-iuperaturv ot' the elevated llllh fl and L a;1:|i|t.\t whirl: the glass edges route in ronlart. to lluproper degree to fui'ililate their maintainingthe same temperaturr to the edges of sheet as the teu1- perature of other portiom thereof.

I have found from prai-tiral experience. that it is dillirull to produre and maintain the required temperature in all portions of a slaw-t of glass whirh is living gra luatti' redueed in lllltlflltv'. l haw also found that by the use of the novel formatii-m of the outer end of the flow iug: done It. (Fig. ll I ran control and maintain the law at a more uniform flowing tl'lltpilullll'l. When the xlleti of glass passes along the top surlaru of the [lowing ltllll I. and turns in its down ward path along tliv down\\'ardl \',inl'liued wall \\'lllt'l| is lllt'llllltl alightl \'lmel \\'anl from a rertit'al line, it will require a groater de gree of heat o freel more in a horizontal plane. than it required to move downward or along a rvrtii-ally inclined plane. I can therefore maintain the glass at a -aulliciently high temperature to mow t'reoly along the horizontal. and allon it to eraduallv assume 4 a decreased ttan nu'ature and still move freely along the rertieall s' lllt'llllttl wall.

lrartieal experienee has demonstrated that molten glass moving: in a horizontal plane will move much slower at a {,ElVtll temperature, than if it were moving downwai'dly over a vertically disposed surface having the force of graa'ity toofl-aet the clinging of the glass to the guiding, surface.

I have also found that molten glass movin slowly in prat'lieally a horizontal plane wi become deritrified where it wines in contact with the yuiding means. The (levitrifieation of the glam is the result of its remaining too long" at it rertaiu lo\\ temperature, and this is more apt to om-ur at the edges of the sheet, rather than in the central portions thereof. It is very important that the edges of a sheet of molten gla more a fat-st as the center. in order to How a perFettl) llat sheet of glass. 'here the renter ia of a higher teitiperature than the edges. the center will flow faster than the edges. i'nusint! a variation in the lllltltllt'si; of the sheet.

I UYtl'tOllm thew man t littieultiestln the use of my improved llowin; stone or spout 5, lry \\lll(ll l am uhle tomaintuiu the. glam at, a proper tt-nqa-ratnre throughout all portions of lhe aheat to the degree required in pi-rl'eeting a uniformity ol. llow. I am also ahla to maintain and keep in eontaet with thr f-" w a hllltahltguiding nit-aim up to the point where the sh ethaa assumed a congealed condition by ahii'h the ollttfit formation will he maintained until the glass is tall eougealed. By the novel formation of the dou'un'al'tllt inclined surface of the flowin; Sltlllt' in diverging away from the perpendicular line, I am able to facilitate the separation of the glass from the terminal portion of the guiding means. I am also able to maintain a suitable temperature in the sheet edges in their downward passage along the front l'at'e of the apron stone, by the conduction from the projecting ribs 9, formed on the vertically inclined face of the flowin HPfilll. whil'h receives the proper degree 0 te|n n-rainre from the heat generated by the huruera ll. 1 am therefore able to keep the glut in contact with the guiding means dun ing a gradual rougealing thereof, until it has sullieieutly set to maintain its sheet formation. and is adapted to be deposited upon a auitahle support or rouvever sueh as aseries of moving tahlets i k-23). more. clearly and suhatantially shownand described in my prior applieatiou for U. 5. Letters Patent, Serial No. 853292 filed July 27, 1914!.

In order that tho flowing operation may he rgltressl ully curried Out, it is essential that the surt'ares of the, apron stone 5. over which the moving glass passes, should not becuuie of such high temperature as to interfere with the proper mngflttlfi of the lass asit passes along the downw face 01 the flow mg spout. The means for pro or r 'l'lation and the novel .formation of t e a ns'tahle shields placed within the flowing zone, as well as the formation of the flowing spout, t'onstittlto some of the prinoipalcharacteristit's of this invention and b which I am ahlo to produce. a eontimwus. ow of a lagrar of glass from a liquidistnte to a gradually congealed state without any unnatural 1,asa,oss

strains so prevalent where tension is applied to Iglass while iii its oongealing state.

4 or the purpose of taking care of the prod- '--'ucts of combustion, and to cause the mov ment of the heat over the suriaces of the flowing sheet, a suitable passage way is provided for, extendin downwardly, following the path of the g ass along the vertically inclined surf of the stone 7,' and under the roof 25, (if tha leer 24, and out through a suitable flue 26, connecting with the leer 24, said flue communicating with a suitable stark located in convenient position (not shown) as is well known in the art.

For the urposes of maintainin the heat within the oer 24, a suitable mante stone 27, is placed across the path of the moving tablets 23, near the depositing point of the glass on the tablets. A similar mantel stone 28, is placed at the outer end of the leer at a point near the opening of the flue 26. To rovide for addin additional heat to the l eer at a point bacli of the depositing point of the glass on the tablets 23, aperture 29,

is placed in the side walls of the leer into which a suitable burner may be inserted,

To facilitate the observance of the flow of the glass by the operator as it leaves the apron stone 5, I have provided a small aperture 30, in the side wall of the leer 24.

In the initial operation of adapting the glass flowing zone to the production of sheet glass, stones 6, 7 and 8, are raised so as to allow the free passage of heat from the glass tank 1, over the apron stone into the leer 24.

The heat is allowed to take this course for the required period to heat the apron stone 5, and the leer 24, before the flowing operation begins. After the glass has started to flow the stone 7 is raised still higher so as to expose to the cooler air the glass flowing down the front fape of the apron stone while stone 6 is further lowered so as to prevent the cooler air from entering that part of the flowing zone beneath the stone 6, and there by improperly congealin the glass before its downward movement a on the front face of the apron stone. It may s found necessary in the regulation of the temperature to further lower stone 8, to keep the heat from passing from the main tank 1, to the flowing zone under stone 6. To further regulate the temperature independent of the movement of the adjustable stones 6, 7 and 8, the heat from the burners 11, is applied to the air space between the walls 4 and the stone 5 applies heat to the sheet edges of the glass where it comes in contact with the extended rib 9.

The heat from the air space between the walls 4, and the stone 5, may be ir-ted to be diverted through suitable fines iniving apertures at the top of the side walls 4, and inlets communicating with the air space at points below the level of the glass flow.

These flues 31, may be entirely or part-d lly closed as required. When closed the heat from the burners 11., will be forced out along the sides of the apron stone 5, thereby heatin the sheet glass edges.

it will be observed from the to oing description, that the glass from whic the sheets are formed is conveyed from a mass .upon a gradual shallowing flume or spout, located within a suitable temperature legulated flowing albne, and by the novel arrangements which ilhave provided, I am able to furnish a continuous supply of glass and form it into a sheet as it moves onward in its flow, while maintaining the edges of the proper deg-rec of heat to prevent it from clinging to the guiding surface, and at the same time provide for the gradual cooling of the glass in such a manner that it is maintained" at the required thickness, and pre serve the surfaces while it is being conveyed upon a suitable carrier durin the period from partial oongealing to fiie complete solidification. I am'able to produce this result by the novel formation of my device, by which the degrees of temperature are controlled and governed acoordihg to the re quirements necessary for a successful flowin of sheet glass of any desired thickness.

ithout limiting myself to the s ecific instrumentalities described, what I c aim is:

1. A glass working apparatus comprising a tank containing molten glass, having a dis charge chamber integral therewith, provided with an upwardly inclined bottom wall, positioned to normally carry a portion of the volume of the glass in the tank, side walls adjacent to said bottom wall, having ledges extendin inwardly over the glass carried bv said ottom wall, and a. vertically mow ailc cover wall freely suspended between said ledges.

An apparatus of the character described, comprisinga tank cdntaiuing molten glass, including a. stationary outlet portion, having a bottom wall constituting an apron upwardly inclined toward its outer portion,

, positioned to normally carry a portion of the volume of the glass in said tank, and to exude the same in a continuous sheet, side walls spaced apart from said bottom wall having at their upper portions inwardly extending ledges, positioned over the glass and an upper wall freelysuspended between said ledges.

3. An apparatus of the character described, comprising a tahk containing molten glass. including a stationary outlet portion, having a bottom wall constituting an apron upwardly inclined toward its outer portion, positioned to normally carry a portion of the volume of glass in said tank, and to el:- ude the same in a continuous sheet, side walls spaced apart from the apron wall, having inwardly c tended heat deflecting ledges above the plane of glass flow, and a cover wall freely suspended between said heat dcflecting ledges.

4. An apparatus of the character described. comprising a tank containing molten glass, including a stationary outlet rtion, having a bottom wall constituting a flowing apron, positioned to normally carry a portion of the volume of the glass in said tank. said apron presenting a cunt nous uniform inclination on its top surfac and having an end surface deflected bac vard from the perpemlicular, with sheet idth forming (likes to control the width o How of the glass over said apron stone, sin tantially as described.

5. A glass workinp apparatus eompi sing); a tank containing molten glas including a discharge chamber having side walls provided with ports for the idniission of heat. a lower wall projecting beyond the ma n portion of the front wall of the talk. poitioned to normally carry a portion oi the volume of the. glass in said tank, iu'wairdly projecting ledges extending from said side walls over the lower wall, air passages extending upwardly between each side wall and the bottom wall. and joining at a point above the bottom wall, and means for controlling' the temperature of said air passages.

6. A glass working apparatus. comprising a discharge chamber in glass tanks". having: side walls provided with ports for the admission of hot gases. a bottom wall inelined upwardly, and positioned to normall carry a portion of the volume of the glass in said tank, having upwardly extended dikes at the outer edges thereof. inwardly extended projections from said side walls being provided with downwardly extending projee ti ins located between the dikes on said bottom wall, extending to a plane between the top of the dikes and the glass level, substan tially as described.

7. A glass working apparatus, comprising a discharge chamber for glass tanks, provided with an upwardly inclined bottom wall, ositioned to normally carry a portion 0? the volume of the glass in said tank, having unvardly extending dikeslocated outside 0 the glass area, side walls spaced apart from said bottom wall, having inwardly projecting ledges extending over said bottom wall. prov ded with downwardly extended projections in parallel relation to said dikes located in a plane between the top of the dikes and the glass line level, sub stantiallv as described.

A discharge chamber for glass tanks, having: side walls pro idial with ports for the admission of heat. a bottom wall spaced apart from said side walls having an inelincd surface located in a plane above the ports. inwardly projecting ledges extending from said side walls over the bottom wall, a freely suspended top wall located between said ledges. and forming an air passage be tween said ports.

9. dis harge chamber for glass tanks. having side walls: provided with ports for the admission of heat, a both-an wall spaced apart from v aid side walls. having an in elined surfa e located in a plane above said. ports, provided with upwardly extending dikes at'ibe outer edges thereof. inwardly proiectinp ledges extending 't'roni said side walls over the bottom wall, prmided with downwardly extending projedions located in planes between said dikes. a i'reel sus pended top wall located between the inwardly projecting ledges, and forming a. glass air passage between said ledges and dikes, substantially as described.

10. An apparatus of the character described, emnprising: a tank containing molten glass, inc] udinga discharge chamber integral there.- with. having a bottom wall constituting a. glass flowing apron positioned to normally carr a )ortion of the volume of the glass n said tank. said apron presenting a continuous uniform inclination on its top surface. and having an end surface diverging away from the vertical line, with sheet width forming; dikes to control the width of the flow of glass over said surfaces. and means for var vmg the. volume and tem .eratnre of air within said discharge chain )er.

In testin'iony whereof I have aliixed 1H) signature in presence of two witnesses.

THUMAS J. MCCOY.

Witnesses L. T.- Gnannnanr, G. F. AIIiEY. 

